Dental Crowns
Restoring Teeth
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that can be placed over a tooth to restore its function, shape, and aesthetic.
Crowns are strong, custom-made tooth restorations that can help strengthen, protect and support weak or cracked natural teeth. They can last a decade or more if properly maintained.
Your dentist in Niagara Falls may place a dental crown to address problems such as chipped, fractured or misshapen teeth. This can prevent further tooth damage, as well as headaches, jaw pain and bite problems. They can also cover a severely stained or discoloured tooth, be used to attach bridges or be placed atop a dental implant.
Dental Crown FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about dental crowns at Falls Family Dental.
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Why is my dentist recommending a crown?
If a tooth has become weak or a crack develops, your dentist may recommend one of these strong, custom-made tooth restorations to help strengthen, protect and support it.
Commonly made from materials such as metal, resin and porcelain, dental crowns can help cover dental implants, or restore a tooth after a procedure such as a root canal. They can also be used to attach bridges or for cosmetic purposes, such as to change the shade of a discoloured tooth.
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How should I care for a dental crown?
Care for your dental crown just as you would your natural teeth.
Maintain a proper oral hygiene routine by brushing twice a day, flossing and visiting your dentist every six months.
Avoid very hard or sticky foods such as popcorn kernels and jolly ranchers. In addition, we also encourage patients to break any bad habits, such as chewing on non-food items like pencils or your nails. If you grind your teeth at night, you may also want to get fitted with a dental appliance such as a night mouth guard.
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Will a dark line appear near my gum?
If you've ever had an old cap or crown, you may have seen the dark line that can appear near your gums after a while.
This issue often occurs with crowns made of a combination of metal and porcelain (also referred to as porcelain fused to metal crowns). The underlying metal may eventually appear near the gum line.
However, today, we can craft a custom-made crown using porcelain material closely matched to the shade of your teeth. This won't leave a dark line over time.
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Are dental crowns always recommended after root canals?
Your dentist won't necessarily recommend a dental crown after a root canal treatment. It's possible to have a root canal treatment without a dental crown.
Your dentist may place a permanent dental crown after performing the root canal procedure if decay is impacting the visible portion of a tooth.
However, if most of the tooth is unaffected, you may not require a crown.
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How long after an implant procedure can a dental crown be placed?
After a dental implant has been placed, the affected area may take several months to heal.
During this period, you'll have a temporary crown that blends in with your natural teeth. Your dentist will provide instructions on how to care for your temporary crown, since it won't be as durable as the permanent crown you'll eventually receive.
The Crown Process
Having a crown placed requires two visits to the dentist. During your first appointment, your dentist will prepare your tooth and take an impression that will be used to create your custom crown. You may be fitted with a temporary crown while your permanent restoration is being made.
Once your crown is ready, you'll need to return for a second appointment to have it placed and sculpted. Your dentist will check that your crown is fitted to your tooth so that your bite and jaw will move and function and normally.